Thanks Bluebird. You must be single. That sure is a pretty kitchen to be washing pistons!
I do my best to verify clearances from the machine shop. I have a dial caliper and dial indicator and have to use Plastigage, but it's better than nothing.
I use dish washing detergent, brushes and a pressure wash on my engines. I was surprised to see those scratches.
On the first rebuild I had a cam that would bind on every rotation. I think the runout was like .006". The replacement cam and the Comp Cam I installed on the last build turned free and true. Same with the crank. I guess I could have measured the runout on both but the fact that they turned freely made me feel confident they were true.
Ring gaps were on the wide end of specs, but I didn't check side clearance or depth. I know the rings didn't stick out from the ring lands.
Didn't check lifter clearance. Are you suggesting they might be too wide?
I feel the loose pin is a separate problem from my wear. I had worn bearings after the first rebuild but I contributed that to detonation with the factory 10.75 CR. The machine shop seemed to agree with me. And, two lifters were worn because of not turning. I figured I didn't do a good job of breaking it in. I also use ZDDP. The pump seemed to check out. I couldn't find clearance specs on it, but there was no wear that I would consider excessive.
I feel I blew it on the second rebuild because I didn't take enough action to address the wear from the first rebuild.
Ain't gonna happen this time! Got to find something.
My restriction theory is all I have now. I briefly checked the oil galleys last night but nothing hit me in the face.
